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Manitoba Government adds new cameras to RWIS network

The Manitoba Government in Canada has installed new solar-powered cameras at strategic locations along provincial highways, which have been integrated into the province’s Road Weather Information System (RWIS), in order to provide drivers with more real-time information about road conditions. There are five existing solar-powered cameras on the Trans-Canada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75. The seven additional sites will provide road and weather information on the Trans-Canada Highway, PTH 5, PTH 16 and at two sites each on PTH 6 and PTH 10. The Manitoba RWIS features an interactive online road information map that is available on the provincial 511 internet site, which now includes options to show camera images, current weather and forecasts, wait times at the Emerson-Pembina USA border crossing, and links to neighbouring provincial and state road information websites.

Manitoba’s Infrastructure and Transportation Minister, Steve Ashton, said, “The new cameras will transmit constantly updated photos of road conditions to the provincial highways website and mobile devices, allowing Manitobans to see what they may be driving into. This new feature strengthens the government’s 511 service, which already provides current road information, to help drivers determine before they depart if there are challenging conditions, or the RCMP have closed roads.” Mike Mager, president and CEO of CAA Manitoba, commented, “A network of roadside cameras on Manitoba highways is a great tool for motorists. It is something we have long advocated the province to do, especially after seeing success with similar programs in other provinces.”